MSHSAA by-law causes KHS basketball schedule change

Tigers will not play at Quincy Tournament Friday or Saturday in order to avoid postseason ban.

Jason Hunsicker

Kirksville High School's basketball team will reduce its games at the Gully Transportation QND/Suns Classic Tip-Off Tournament this week in order to remain eligible for postseason play.

Kirksville was one of several Missouri schools to learn this week its participation in the round-robin event could lead to forfeiture of a spot in the district basketball tournament due to a violation of Missouri State High School Activities Association by-laws.

The by-law in question, 3.18, stipulates that no team can compete in more than three games in a holiday or conference tournament, unless it is a bracket-play tournament, in which case the limit would be four games.

The Quincy event is a round-robin format, where Kirksville was among the teams scheduled to play five games. That amount is permitted under Illinois high school athletics rules, but not MSHSAA.

As a result, Kirksville will not play its previously scheduled games Friday or Saturday this week, and will not play in the tournament next year, KHS Activities Coordinator Scott Latham said.

The Tigers will not attempt to schedule any additional games to make up for the lost on-court time.

KHS competes at Quincy Tuesday and Wednesday nigth.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.